Production of polyhydroxyhexadecanoic acid by using waste biomass of Sphingobacterium sp. ATM generated after degradation of textile dye Direct Red 5B

Stenotrophomonas maltophilia Isolated from the Gut Symbiotic Community of the Plastic-Eating Tenebrio molitor

Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) waste is a major environmental challenge. In this study, we found that a PVC-eating insect, Tenebrio molitor, could survive by consuming PVC as a dietary supplement. To understand the gut symbiotic community, metagenomic analysis was performed to reveal the biodiversity of a symbiotic community in the midgut of Tenebrio molitor. Among them, seven genera were enriched from the midgut of the insect under culture conditions with PVC as carbon source. A strain of Stenotrophomonas maltophilia was isolated from the midgut symbiotic community of the plastic-eating Tenebrio molitor. To unravel the functional gene for the biodegradation enzyme, we sequenced the whole genome of Stenotrophomonas maltophilia and found that orf00390, annotated as a hydrolase, was highly expressed in the PVC culture niche.

Molecular characterization of azoreductase and its potential for the decolorization of Remazol Red R and Acid Blue 29

Azoreductase is a reductive enzyme that efficiently biotransformed textile azo dyes. This study demonstrated the heterologous overexpression of the azoreductase gene in Escherichia coli for the effective degradation of Remazol Red-R and Acid-Blue 29 dyes. The AzK gene of Klebsiella pneumoniae encoding a ≈22 kDa azoreductase enzyme was cloned into the pET21+C expression vector. The inoculum size of 1.5%, IPTG concentration of 0.5 mM, and incubation time of 6 h were optimized by response surface methodology a statistical tool. The crude extract showed 76% and 74%, while the purified enzyme achieved 94% and 93% decolorization of RRR and AB-29, respectively in 0.3 h. The reaction kinetics showed that RRR had a Km and Vmax value of 0.058 mM and 1416 U mg-1, respectively at an NADH concentration of 10 mM. HPLC and GC-MS analyses showed that RRR was effectively bio-transformed by azoreductase to 2-[3-(hydroxy-amino) benzene-1-sulfonyl and AB-29 to aniline and 3-nitrosoaniline. This study explored the potential of recombinant azoreductase isolated from K. pneumoniae in the degradation of toxic textile azo dyes into less toxic metabolites.

Performance and bacterial community profiles of sequencing batch reactors during long-term exposure to polyethylene terephthalate and polyethylene microplastics

Microplastics (MPs) are ubiquitous in wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs), but much remains to be learned about their roles in WWTPs. Herein, polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and polyethylene (PE) particles were added into sequencing batch reactors (SBRs), and the sole impacts and co-impacts of MPs with other pollutants (phenol and Cu²⁺) on wastewater treatment processes were evaluated. Results indicated that MPs did not significantly affect SBR performance, either alone or co-occurrence with phenol, but the co-exposure to MPs and Cu²⁺ severely suppressed COD removal efficiency by 37.02%-64.70%. The functional groups of activated sludge had no changes after receiving MPs, but the MPs-Cu²⁺ co-exposure could greatly promote the secretion of extracellular polymeric substances. Furthermore, MPs had no negative impacts on diversity, richness and structure of bacterial communities, and PET and PE showed different preferences for enrichment of bacterial populations. Moreover, the MPs-Cu²⁺ co-exposure obviously reduced the overall abundances of Cu-related genes in SBRs.

Optimization of Decoloration Conditions of Methylene Blue Wastewater by Penicillium P1

The objective of this work was to optimize the decolorization of methylene blue dye wastewater by Penicillium P1. The influencing factors included initial methylene blue concentration, initial pH value, salinity and inoculation percentage of penicillium spores. The decolorization rate was optimized by response surface center composite design methods. The optimal optimization condition was methylene blue concentration 50 mg/L, pH value 3.61, salinity 3.7%, and inoculation percentage 3.21% (When the MSM was 100 ml), the predicted decolorization rate of methylene blue 85%. The UV and the FTIR spectrum analysis showed that the structure of methylene blue changed during the process of decolorization of methylene blue by Penicillium P1.

Changes in microbial community diversity, composition, and functions upon nitrate and Cr(VI) contaminated groundwater

With the increasing occurrences of nitrate and Cr(VI) pollution globally, microbially driven pollutant reduction and its interaction effects were of growing interest. Despite the increasing number of experimental reports on the simultaneous reduction of nitrate and Cr(VI), a broad picture of the keystone species and metabolic differences in this process remained elusive. This study explored the changing of microorganisms with the introduction of Cr(VI)/NO₃^- through analyzing 242 samples from the NCBI database. The correlation between microbial abundance and environmental factors showed that, the types of energy substances and pollutants species in the environment had an impact on the diversity of microorganisms and community structure. The genus of Zoogloea, Candidatus Accumulibacter, and Candidatus Kapabacteria sp. 59-99 had the ability of denitrification, while genus of Alcaligenes, Kerstersia, Petrimonas, and Leucobacter showed effectively Cr(VI) resistance and reducing ability. Azoarcus, Pseudomonas, and Thauera were recognized as important candidates in the simultaneous reduction of nitrate and Cr(VI). Metagenomic predictions of these microorganisms using PICRUSt2 further highlighted the enrichment of Cr(VI)and nitrate reduction-related genes (such as chrA and norC). Special attention should therefore be paid to these bacteria in subsequent studies to evaluate their performance and mechanisms involved in simultaneous denitrification and chromium removal. The microbial co-occurrence network analysis conducted on this basis emphasized a strong association between community collaboration and pollution removal. Collectively, either site surveys or laboratory experiments, subsequent studies should focus on these microbial populations and the interspecific collaborations as they strongly influence the occurrence of simultaneous nitrate and Cr(VI) reduction.

An overview of neonicotinoids: biotransformation and biodegradation by microbiological processes

Neonicotinoids are a class of pesticides widely used in different phases of agricultural crops. Similar to other classes of pesticides, they can damage human and environmental health if overused, and can be resistent to degradation. This is especially relevant to insect health, pollination, and aquatic biodiversity. Nevertheless, application of pesticides is still crucial for food production and pest control, and should therefore be carefully monitored by the government to control or reduce neonicotinoid contamination reaching human and animal feed. Aware of this problem, studies have been carried out to reduce or eliminate neonicotinoid contamination from the environment. One example of a green protocol is bioremediation. This review discusses the most recent microbial biodegradation and bioremediation processes for neonicotinoids, which employ isolated microorganisms (bacteria and fungi), consortiums of microorganisms, and different types of soils, biobeds, and biomixtures.

A critical review of volatile fatty acids produced from waste activated sludge: enhanced strategies and its applications

This paper reviews the recent achievements in the enhanced production of volatile fatty acids (VFAs) from waste activated sludge (WAS). The enhanced strategies are divided into two approaches. The first strategy focuses on the regulation of carbon-to-nitrogen (C/N) ratio by co-digestion of WAS with carbon-rich substrates, including municipal solid wastes (MSW), marine algae, agricultural residues, and animal manures. The other strategy is to enhance the solubilization and hydrolysis of WAS or inhibit the methanogenesis by applying various pretreatments, such as mechanical, chemical, enzymatic, and thermal pretreatment. Finally, the applications of WAS-derived VFAs are discussed. The future researches in enhancing VFAs production and wide application of the VFAs from both technical and economic perspectives are proposed.

Reactive green dye remediation by Alternanthera philoxeroides in association with plant growth promoting Klebsiella sp. VITAJ23: A pot culture study

Contamination of soil by textile effluent is a major threat found worldwide. These pollutants have diverse range of negative effects on the ecosystem, therefore restoration through cost effective biological strategy is the need of the hour. The aim of the current study was to enhance the decolourization of reactive green dye (RGD) using phytoremediation coupled with augmentation of effective bacteria to the rhizosphere. The isolate Klebsiella sp. VITAJ23 was isolated from textile effluent polluted soil and was assessed for its plant growth promoting traits (PGP) and the PGP functional genes were amplified. The soil was artificially polluted with RGD concentration ranging from 1000 to 3000 mg kg^-1 and Alternanthera philoxeroides plantlets were planted in phyto and rhizoremediation treatments, the setup was maintained upto 60 d. The isolate VITAJ23 was augmented in the rhizoremediation setup and the morphological parameters were assessed at regular interval. There was a significant increase in the chlorophyll content as well as root and shoot length of the plant when treated with the bacterial suspension. Decolourization study revealed 79% removal of reactive green dye with an enhanced oxido-reductase enzyme activity in the setup bioaugmented with bacteria. The biodegraded metabolites were identified as 2-allylnapthalene, l-alanine, n-acetyl-and propenoic acid by GC-MS analysis and a plant-bacteria degradation pathway was predicted using computational tools. Inoculation of PGP-Klebsiella sp. VITAJ23 enhanced the rate of plant growth and dye degradation.

Enhanced Biocide Treatments with D-amino Acid Mixtures against a Biofilm Consortium from a Water Cooling Tower

Different species of microbes form mixed-culture biofilms in cooling water systems. They cause microbiologically influenced corrosion (MIC) and biofouling, leading to increased operational and maintenance costs. In this work, two D-amino acid mixtures were found to enhance two non-oxidizing biocides [tetrakis hydroxymethyl phosphonium sulfate (THPS) and NALCO 7330 (isothiazoline derivatives)] and one oxidizing biocide [bleach (NaClO)] against a biofilm consortium from a water cooling tower in lab tests. Fifty ppm (w/w) of an equimass mixture of D-methionine, D-leucine, D-tyrosine, D-tryptophan, D-serine, D-threonine, D-phenylalanine, and D-valine (D8) enhanced 15 ppm THPS and 15 ppm NALCO 7330 with similar efficacies achieved by the 30 ppm THPS alone treatment and the 30 ppm NALCO 7330 alone treatment, respectively in the single-batch 3-h biofilm removal test. A sequential treatment method was used to enhance bleach because D-amino acids react with bleach. After a 4-h biofilm removal test, the sequential treatment of 5 ppm bleach followed by 50 ppm D8 achieved extra 1-log reduction in sessile cell counts of acid producing bacteria, sulfate reducing bacteria, and general heterotrophic bacteria compared with the 5 ppm bleach alone treatment. The 10 ppm bleach alone treatment showed a similar efficacy with the sequential treatment of 5 ppm bleach followed by 50 ppm D8. The efficacy of D8 was found better than that of D4 (an equimass mixture of D-methionine, D-leucine, D-tyrosine, and D-tryptophan) in the enhancement of the three individual biocides against the biofilm consortium.

Recent Advances and Challenges towards Sustainable Polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) Production

Sustainable biofuels, biomaterials, and fine chemicals production is a critical matter that research teams around the globe are focusing on nowadays. Polyhydroxyalkanoates represent one of the biomaterials of the future due to their physicochemical properties, biodegradability, and biocompatibility. Designing efficient and economic bioprocesses, combined with the respective social and environmental benefits, has brought together scientists from different backgrounds highlighting the multidisciplinary character of such a venture. In the current review, challenges and opportunities regarding polyhydroxyalkanoate production are presented and discussed, covering key steps of their overall production process by applying pure and mixed culture biotechnology, from raw bioprocess development to downstream processing.

Performance of a newly isolated salt-tolerant yeast strain Pichia occidentalis G1 for degrading and detoxifying azo dyes

A salt-tolerant yeast named G1 which could decolorize various azo dyes was recently isolated and identified as Pichia occidentalis. Systematic researches on characterization, degradation pathway, detoxification effects and enzymes analysis of this yeast were done. The results showed that the optimal metabolism and growth parameters for strain G1 were: 2.0gL^-1 glucose, 0.6gL^-1 ammonium sulfate, 0.08gL^-1 yeast extract, 30gL^-1 NaCl, 160rmin^-1, 30°C and pH 5.0. More than 98% of 50mgL^-1 Acid Red B (ARB) could be decolorized within 16h under the optimal conditions. Additionally, strain G1 degraded and obviously detoxified ARB through a possible pathway successively consisting of decolorization, deamination/desulfonation and TCA cycle processes. Moreover, NADH-DCIP reductase was estimated as the key reductase for decolorization and ligninases including lignin peroxidase, manganese peroxidase and laccase were important oxidoreductases for further degradation of decolorization intermediates.

Genomic and molecular mechanisms for efficient biodegradation of aromatic dye

Understanding the molecular mechanisms for aromatic compound degradation is crucial for the development of effective bioremediation strategies. We report the discovery of a novel phenomenon for improved degradation of Direct Red 5B azo dye by Irpex lacteus CD2 with lignin as a co-substrate. Transcriptomics analysis was performed to elucidate the molecular mechanisms of aromatic degradation in white rot fungus by comparing dye, lignin, and dye/lignin combined treatments. A full spectrum of lignin degradation peroxidases, oxidases, radical producing enzymes, and other relevant components were up-regulated under DR5B and lignin treatments. Lignin induced genes complemented the DR5B induced genes to provide essential enzymes and redox conditions for aromatic compound degradation. The transcriptomics analysis was further verified by manganese peroxidase (MnP) protein over-expression, as revealed by proteomics, dye decolorization assay by purified MnP and increased hydroxyl radical levels, as indicated by an iron reducing activity assay. Overall, the molecular and genomic mechanisms indicated that effective aromatic polymer degradation requires synergistic enzymes and radical-mediated oxidative reactions to form an effective network of chemical processes. This study will help to guide the development of effective bioremediation and biomass degradation strategies.

Synthesis of silver nanoparticles from Metarhizium robertsii waste biomass extract after nonylphenol degradation, and their antimicrobial and catalytic potential

Waste biomass extracts of Metarhizium robertsii synthesize silver nanoparticles with high biocatalytic and antimicrobial activity.

Detoxification and decolorization of a simulated textile dye mixture by phytoremediation using Petunia grandiflora and, Gailardia grandiflora: a plant-plant consortial strategy

In vitro grown Petunia grandiflora and Gaillardia grandiflora plantlets showed 76 percent and 62 percent American Dye Manufacturers Institute value (color) removal from a simulated dyes mixture within 36h respectively whereas their consortium gave 94 percent decolorization. P. grandiflora, G. grandiflora and their consortium could reduce BOD by 44 percent, 31 percent and, 69 percent and COD by 58 percent, 37 percent and 73 percent respectively. Individually, root cells of P. grandiflora showed 74 and 24 percent induction in the activities of veratryl alcohol oxidase and laccase respectively; whereas G. grandiflora root cells showed 379 percent, 142 percent and 77 percent induction in the activities of tyrosinase, riboflavin reductase and lignin peroxidase respectively. In the consortium set, entirely a different enzymatic pattern was observed, where P. grandiflora root cells showed 231 percent, 12 percent and 65 percent induction in the activities of veratryl alcohol oxidase, laccase and 2, 6-dichlorophenol-indophenol reductase respectively, while G. grandiflora root cells gave 300 percent, 160 percent, 79 percent and 55 percent inductions in the activities of lignin peroxidase, riboflavin reductase, tyrosinase and laccase respectively. Because of the synergistic effect of the enzymes from both the plants, the consortium was found to be more effective for the degradation of dyes from the mixture. Preferential dye removal was confirmed by analyzing metabolites of treated dye mixture using UV-vis spectroscopy, FTIR and biotransformation was visualized using HPTLC. Metabolites formed after the degradation of dyes revealed the reduced cytogenotoxicity on Allium cepa roots cells when compared with untreated dye mixture solution. Phytotoxicity study exhibited the less toxic nature of the metabolites.

Biotechnological Production of Polyhydroxyalkanoates: A Review on Trends and Latest Developments

Polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA) producers have been reported to reside at various ecological niches which are naturally or accidently exposed to high organic matter or growth limited conditions such as dairy wastes, hydrocarbon contaminated sites, pulp and paper mill wastes, agricultural wastes, activated sludges of treatment plants, rhizosphere, and industrial effluents. Few among them also produce extracellular by-products like rhamnolipids, extracellular polymeric substances, and biohydrogen gas. These sorts of microbes are industrially important candidates for the reason that they can use waste materials of different origin as substrate with simultaneous production of valuable bioproducts including PHA. Implementation of integrated system to separate their by-products (intracellular and extracellular) can be economical in regard to production. In this review, we have discussed various microorganisms dwelling at different environmental conditions which stimulate them to accumulate carbon as polyhydroxyalkanoates granules and factors influencing its production and composition. A brief aspect on metabolites which are produced concomitantly with PHA has also been discussed. In conclusion, exploring of capabilities like of dual production by microbes and use of wastes as renewable substrate under optimized cultural conditions either in batch or continuous process can cause deduction in present cost of bioplastic production from stored PHA granules.

Mechanistic antimicrobial approach of extracellularly synthesized silver nanoparticles against gram positive and gram negative bacteria

The development of eco-friendly and reliable processes for the synthesis of nanoparticles has attracted considerable interest in nanotechnology. In this study, an extracellular enzyme system of a newly isolated microorganism, Exiguobacterium sp. KNU1, was used for the reduction of AgNO₃ solutions to silver nanoparticles (AgNPs). The extracellularly biosynthesized AgNPs were characterized by UV-vis spectroscopy, Fourier transform infra-red spectroscopy and transmission electron microscopy. The AgNPs were approximately 30 nm (range 5-50 nm) in size, well-dispersed and spherical. The AgNPs were evaluated for their antimicrobial effects on different gram negative and gram positive bacteria using the minimum inhibitory concentration method. Reasonable antimicrobial activity against Salmonella typhimurium, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus was observed. The morphological changes occurred in all the microorganisms tested. In particular, E. coli exhibited DNA fragmentation after being treated with the AgNPs. Finally, the mechanism for their bactericidal activity was proposed according to the results of scanning electron microscopy and single cell gel electrophoresis.

Development of a bioreactor for remediation of textile effluent and dye mixture: a plant-bacterial synergistic strategy

The objective of the present work was to develop a plant-bacterial synergistic system for efficient treatment of the textile effluents. Decolorization of the dye Scarlet RR and a dye mixture was studied under in vitro conditions using Glandularia pulchella (Sweet) Tronc., Pseudomonas monteilii ANK and their consortium. Four reactors viz. soil, bacteria, plant and consortium were developed that were subjected for treatment of textile effluents and dye mixture. Under in vitro conditions G. pulchella and P. monteilii showed decolorization of the dye Scarlet RR (SRR) by 97 and 84%, within 72 and 96 h respectively, while their consortium showed 100% decolorization of the dye within 48 h. In case of dye mixture G. pulchella, P. monteilii and consortium-PG showed an ADMI removal of 78, 67 and 92% respectively within 96 h. During decolorization of SRR G. pulchella showed induction in the activities of enzymes lignin peroxidase and DCIP reductase while P. monteilii showed induction of laccase, DCIP reductase and tyrosinase, indicating their involvement in the dye metabolism. High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC), Fourier Transform Infra Red Spectroscopy (FTIR) and High Performance Thin Layer Chromatography (HPTLC) confirmed the biotransformation of SRR and dye mixture into different metabolites. Soil, bacteria, plant and consortium reactors performed an ADMI removal of 42, 46, 62 and 93% in the first decolorization cycle while it showed an average ADMI removal of 21, 27, 59 and 93% in the next three (second, third and fourth) decolorization cycles respectively for the dye mixture within 24 h. Consortium reactor showed an average ADMI removal of 95% within 48 and 60 h for textile effluents A and B respectively for three decolorization cycles, while it showed an average TOC, COD and BOD removal of 74, 70 and 70%, 66, 72 and 67%, and 70, 70 and 66% for three decolorization cycles of the dye mixture (second, third and fourth decolorization cycles), effluent A and effluent B respectively. Degradation of the textile effluents and dye mixture into different metabolites by the consortium reactor was confirmed using HPLC and FTIR. Phytotoxicity studies revealed the non-toxic nature of the metabolites of degradation of dye mixture, effluents A and B by consortium reactor. The developed consortial reactor system performed efficient treatment of the dye mixture and textile effluents, and can be used for treating large amounts of textile effluents when implemented as a constructed wetland by proper engineering approach.

Utilization of vinasse for production of poly-3-(hydroxybutyrate-co-hydroxyvalerate) by Haloferax mediterranei

Vinasse, a highly polluting waste of the ethanol industry was utilized for the production of polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) by the extremely halophilic archaeon, Haloferax mediterranei in shake-flasks. Following pre-treatment through adsorption on activated carbon, 25%-50% (v/v) pre-treated vinasse was utilized leading to 70% maximum accumulation of PHA. Maximum PHA concentration of 19.7 g/l, product yield coefficient (based on total carbohydrates) of 0.87 and 0.21 g/l h volumetric productivity were achieved. Concomitant lowering of BOD₅ of pre-treated vinasse by at least 78% and COD by at least 80% was attained at the end of this process. The PHA was recovered by osmotic lysis of the cells and purification by sodium hypochlorite and organic solvents. Through UV–vis spectroscopy, gas chromatography, differential scanning calorimetry and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, the PHA was identified as poly-3-(hydroxybutyrate-co-hydroxyvalerate). The 3-hydroxyvalerate content was 12.36 mol % (utilizing 25% pre-treated vinasse) and 14.09 mol % (utilizing 50% pre-treated vinasse). High salt concentration in the medium allowed this process without sterile conditions and thus reduction in costs of sterilization can be envisaged. Activated charcoal pre-treatment of vinasse is economical than competing processes such as ultrafiltration of whey, extrusion and enzymatic treatment of rice and corn starch. Without impacting sugar prices, this process can easily be integrated into a distillery that has fermentation equipment and trained personnel. High PHA content, productivity, zero-cost carbon source, low-cost isolation of a high-purity product and potential integration into ethanol manufacturing unit with concomitant wastewater treatment should merit further development of this process to higher scales.

Differential fate of metabolism of a disperse dye by microorganisms Galactomyces geotrichum and Brevibacillus laterosporus and their consortium GG-BL

The present work aims to evaluate Brown 3 REL degrading potential of developed microbial consortium GG-BL using two microbial cultures, Galactomyces geotrichum MTCC 1360 (GG) and Brevibacillus laterosporus MTCC 2298 (BL). Microbial consortium GG-BL showed 100% decolorization of a dye Brown 3 REL, while individually G. geotrichum MTCC 1360 and B. laterosporus MTCC 2298 showed 26% and 86% decolorization under aerobic condition (shaking) respectively. Measurements of biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) (76%) and chemical oxygen demand (COD) (68%) were done after decolorization by consortium GG-BL. No induction in activities of oxidoreductive enzymes found in G. geotrichum while B. laterosporus showed induction of veratryl alcohol oxidase, Nicotineamide adenine dinucleotide-dichlorophenol indophenol (NADH-DCIP) reductase and riboflavin reductase indicating their role in dye metabolism. Consortium GG-BL showed induction in the activities of laccase, veratryl alcohol oxidase, tyrosinase, NADH-DCIP reductase and riboflavin reductase. Two different sets of induced enzymes from G. geotrichum and B. laterosporus work together in consortium GG-BL resulting in faster degradation of dye. The degradation of Brown 3 REL was analyzed using high performance thin layer chromatography (HPTLC), high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) and gas chromatography mass spectroscopy (GC-MS). Phytotoxicity study revealed that metabolites formed after degradation was significantly less toxic in nature.

Preferential biodegradation of structurally dissimilar dyes from a mixture by Brevibacillus laterosporus

Biodegradation of a mixture containing seven commercial textile dyes with different structures and color properties has been investigated by an ecofriendly strain--Brevibacillus laterosporus MTCC 2298. It showed 87% decolorization in terms of ADMI removal (American Dye Manufacturing Institute) within 24h. The effective decolorization of dye mixture was attained in the presence of metal salt--CaCl(2) and nitrogen sources. The induction of oxido-reductive enzymes such as veratryl alcohol oxidase, tyrosinase, NADH-DCIP reductase and azo reductase was found to be responsible for biotransformation of dyes. High performance thin layer chromatography exposed the mechanism of preferential biodegradation of dyes at different time periods. Significant change in the high pressure liquid chromatography and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy of sample before and after treatment confirmed the biodegradation of dye mixture. Phytotoxicity study revealed the much less toxic nature of the metabolites produced after the degradation of dyes mixture.

The role of Aster amellus Linn. in the degradation of a sulfonated azo dye Remazol Red: a phytoremediation strategy

Phytoremediation is a novel and promising approach for the treatment of pollutants. This study did explore the potential of Aster amellus Linn. to decolorize a sulfonated azo dye Remazol Red (RR), a mixture of dyes and a textile effluent. Induction in the activities of lignin peroxidase, tyrosinase, veratryl alcohol oxidase and riboflavin reductase was observed during RR decolorization, suggesting their involvement in the metabolism of RR. UV-Visible absorption spectrum, HPLC and FTIR analysis confirmed the degradation of RR. Four metabolites after the degradation of the dye were identified as 2-[(3-diazenylphenyl) sulfonyl] ethanesulfonate, 4-amino-5-hydroxynaphthalene-2,7-disulfonate, naphthalene-2-sulfonate and 3-(1,3,5-triazin-2-ylamino)benzenesulfonate by using GC/MS. Textile effluent and mixture of dyes showed 47% and 62% decrease respectively in American Dye Manufacturers Institute value. BOD of textile effluent and mixture of dyes were reduced by 75% and 48% respectively, COD of industrial effluent and mixture of dyes was reduced by 60% and 75% and TOC was reduced by 54% and 69% respectively after the treatment by A. amellus for 60 h; this indicated that the plant can be used for cleaning textile effluents. Toxicity study revealed the phytotransformation of RR into non-toxic products.

Exploring the ability of Sphingobacterium sp. ATM to degrade textile dye Direct Blue GLL, mixture of dyes and textile effluent and production of polyhydroxyhexadecanoic acid using waste biomass generated after dye degradation

The degradation of textile effluent using microorganisms has been studied extensively, but disposal of generated biomass after dye degradation is a serious problem. Among all tested microorganisms, isolated Sphingobacterium sp. ATM effectively decolorized (100%) the dye Direct Blue GLL (DBGLL) and simultaneously it produced (64%) polyhydroxyhexadecanoic acid (PHD). The organism decolorized DBGLL at 300 mg l(-1) concentration within 24 h of dye addition and gave optimum production of PHD. The organism also decolorized three combinations of mixture of dyes. The organism decolorized textile effluent too when it was combined with medium. The organism produced a maximum of 66% and 61% PHD while decolorizing mixture of dyes and textile effluent respectively. Molasses was found to be more significant within all carbon sources used. The activity of polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) synthase was found to be higher after 24 h of addition of DBGLL. The enzymes responsible for dye degradation, viz. veratryl alcohol oxidase, laccase, DCIP (2,6-dichlorophenol-indophenol) reductase, riboflavin reductase, and azo reductase were found to be induced during decolorization process of DBGLL and mixture of dyes. There was significant reduction in chemical oxygen demand (COD) and biological oxygen demand (BOD). FTIR analysis of samples before and after decolorization of dye confirmed the biotransformation of DBGLL.